About 6 months ago I purchased Merrell Red Desert trail runners for day hiking and weekend trail running. After owning a pair of Solomon trail runners (which were fantastic, and still are!) I hoped to be equally as pleased with the Merrell Red Deserts. After about a month of steady wear, the insoles of the shoes completely broke down. I purchased new insoles, and in 5 months, the rubber of the soles has cracked in several places on both shoes. I would have expected much better quality after paying the price I did for these shoes.

Similar Products Used:

Solomon trail runners
Vasque Sundowners

This was an amazing shoe for its lifetime. Do not expect any cushion to be left after the 8 month mark. i first used it for light hiking in arizona on groomed trails, whihout pack, and actually ran in it also. great fit, comfortable mid-sole, but a little overpriced for the lifetime. because the fit was so good, i'll sacrifice on the lifetime. putting a spenco stabilizer in after 6 months does wonders. also, my roomate had them sole cracked. i did not have any problems. who knows? overall, i was happy.